KBA Demonstrates Advances in Makeready, Energy Efficiency and Closed-Loop Color Control #Ipex

Rapida 75E: energy- and space-saving dynamo
Alongside optional extras for enhancing speed to 16,000sph and the stock range to 0.8mm (30pt) the E model of the Rapida 75 unveiled at Drupa 2008 sports a raft of advances: a new, noise-insulated KBA feeder, automated format setting, sheet grippers adapted from large-format Rapidas, shell-free transfer drums, air-blast sheet guides plus new sheet brake in the delivery, semi-automatic coating-forme change and remote maintenance via the internet. Together, these slash makeready times by more than 30%. The five-colour coater version shown in Birmingham has an extended delivery, automatic plate changing, inking-unit temperature control, roller and blanket washing and a KBA ErgoTronic console. During Ipex it is printing various jobs ranging from an inline-perforated schedule for the football World Cup in South Africa to posters of London with matt and spot coatings. The Rapida 75E’s claim to the title of energy-saving champion is underpinned with detailed comparisons, a power consumption display at the delivery and (like all the Rapidas on the KBA stand) alcohol-free operation, attested by a green eco-globe on the printing units. The Rapida 75E is also available in a 605 x 750mm format. At the end of this year KBA is launching a perfector version for anything up to four-backing-four.

Rapida 75C and Rapida 66: expanding the range in small format
For smaller printshops where space is at a premium, automation is not a primary concern and the budget is limited, KBA offers the Rapida 75C (C = commercial) which is available in two-, four- or five-colour versions, has no coater and is less extensively automated. Its maximum rated speed is 13,000sph and instead of the 75E’s usual ErgoTronic console it is controlled from a touch-screen at the delivery. Rounding off the smaller end of the Rapida range, which extends to 2m (78in), is the SRA2 (26in) Rapida 66, which has almost twice the format of an A3 press – four A4 pages fit on a sheet instead of just two – for virtually the same price, and consumes less space and energy than a half-format press. Its practical level of automation makes for easy handling.

Genius 52UV: out-of-the-ordinary and even web-to-print
The smallest, most unusual and most versatile press KBA is showing at Ipex is the Genius 52UV built by KBA-Metronic. It appeals strongly to printers seeking to escape the fierce competition in mainstream markets by catering to niche applications with out-of-the-ordinary products and substrates. The B3 (20in) Genius 52UV is also winning converts in the web-to-print sector. Typical Genius substrates include various types of film up to 0.8mm (0.03in) thick, expensive paper, aluminium-coated board and even wood (a printer in Switzerland). The Genius 52UV supports creativity like no other press in its format. Smart cards, mousepads, stickers, lenticular images, plastic menus or short runs of packaging patterns on board – the pallet is almost endless. One big advantage of its dampener- and alcohol-free operation is that start-up waste is normally no more than ten sheets, and live demos at Ipex prove this time and time again. This is a crucial benefit when printing short runs of costly materials. The five-colour version exhibited, which features a coater and extended delivery, prints lenticular, mousepad and Chromolux film, solid board and PVC – just a small cross-section of its normal range.